The popularity and accessibility of yoga has grown exponentially in the past decade. According to a study by Yoga Journal, approximately 20 million Americans older than 18 years practiced yoga in 2012, constituting 8.7% of the adult population.1 An industry report by IBIS World estimates there are more than 30,000 yoga and Pilates studios in the United States.2 Many of the 170+ eating disorder (ED) treatment facilities in the U.S. offer yoga or other mind-body based activities as a component of treatment.3 A 2006 study of 18 residential ED treatment programs in the nation found that two-thirds of the programs offered yoga.4

So it's that time of year. The time when the marketing campaigns begin, telling us "this is the year" to make a change, lose weight, get fit, get healthy, change ourselves and turn over a new leaf. Hey, I am a big believer in change -- it truly is the only constant -- and some change and internal focus is needed to grow and expand as a human being. It can be positive, healthy and needed. It can be helpful to step back and reflect on how things went during the previous year, what you want for next year and sketch out a plan of action on how to reach those goals.

As we think ahead to what this New Year will bring with an eating disorder, some of us may already be implementing our New Year's resolutions. Some of them may be centered around eating, stopping behaviors or maybe even recovery. (Remember, aim for daily goals, instead of an entire year to set yourself up for success.)